what is microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure for your skin. Your provider uses thin needles to make tiny holes in the top layer of your skin. The damage helps stimulate your skin’s healing process, so it produces more collagen and elastin. These proteins keep your skin firm and smooth. Most people get microneedling on their face, but you can also get it on your legs, back, neck or other areas where you notice damaged or aging skin. You’ll probably need multiple treatments to achieve your desired results.
who gets microneedling?
Microneedling has cosmetic and medical uses. You might consider microneedling if you’re concerned about:
•Enlarged pores
•Fine lines or wrinkles
•Loose or crepey skin
•Mild scars, especially those from acne or burns
•Skin discoloration or uneven skin tone
•Stretch marks
The procedure can also help people who have medical conditions such as:
•Alopecia
•Hyperhidrosis
who shouldn't have microneedling?
Talk to your provider before getting microneedling if you have:
•Acne or are taking medication for acne
•Blood disorders or are on anticoagulants (drugs that prevent blood clots)
•Cancer and are receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy
•Frequent skin rashes (contact dermatitis or cold sores
•Keloidal tendency (your skin forms hard, raised scars)
•Moles, freckles, skin tags or other growths that change in size or shape or bleed
•Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
what happens before microneedling?
Before microneedling, you have a consultation with a provider.
Your provider will examine your skin, review your health history and discuss your goals for the procedure. They may also take photos of the area so you can compare your skin before and after microneedling.
will I need more than one treatment?
About a month before treatment, your provider may ask you to apply vitamin A or C cream to your skin. These creams can help start the process of collagen production.
what happens during microneedling?
Your provider cleans your skin and applies a numbing cream or ointment, such as lidocaine gel. They do this about 30 minutes to 45 minutes before your procedure, so the ointment has time to work.
Next, your provider uses an electric tool to make the wounds in your skin. Microneedles pulse up and down to puncture your skin. They can change the length of the needles on the electric device. Longer needles go deeper into your skin, which might be necessary if you have deep scars or pockmarks from acne. Needle lengths can range from 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters.
You might feel warmth or a scratching sensation on your face once the microneedling starts. Some people feel discomfort if the needles are near bony areas, such as your cheekbones. Deep microneedling might cause a little bleeding.
A microneedling procedure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of the area that needs treatment.
what happens after microneedling?
Microneedling is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home once it’s done. Your skin might be red and swollen for up to five days. An ice pack can help reduce irritation and discomfort. Most people can wear makeup the day after the procedure, but you should stay out of the sun until your skin heals.
what are the risks of microneedling?
Microneedling is a safe procedure, but risks may include:
•Bruising
•Scarring
•Skin infection
what are the benefits of microneedling?
Microneedling can help improve the appearance and texture of your skin. It can minimize stretch marks, scars, wrinkles and other skin concerns.
It doesn’t carry the risk of skin discoloration, unlike some facial rejuvenation procedures that use heat, light or lasers. This makes microneedling ideal for people with darker skin tones.
what can I expect after microneedling?
In the days and weeks after microneedling, you might notice that your skin burns or feels tight. Some people also have dry, flaking skin that improves with moisturizer.
Most people need multiple microneedling treatments, usually about 3 weeks to 8 weeks apart. It can take 3 months to 6 months to see results. Afterward, you might need the procedure once a year for maintenance.